According to a report by O Jogo, Manchester United has made contact with Goncalo Inacio’s representative, Miguel Pinho, to discuss a possible transfer this summer. The Premier League side currently has Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and Harry Maguire as their first-team options for central defense. However, Varane and Martinez are the assured starters when available, while Lindelof and Maguire have seen limited minutes over the season.
O Jogo claims that United has entered negotiations to sign Inacio from Sporting Lisbon, amid speculation that Maguire may leave in the summer. However, the report also states that United has yet to make any contact with the Portuguese club and is discussing a deal directly with the player’s agent.
Sporting is looking to increase the 21-year-old’s release clause to €45m with a new contract, but United is keen to prevent this from happening. Newcastle United is also believed to be interested in the highly-rated Portuguese centre-back.
Inacio has had an impressive campaign with Sporting Lisbon, with an average of 62 completed passes per game and a 92% pass accuracy. He has also made nearly two clearances per game, won 1.1 tackles and 3.9 duels, and contributed three goals and three assists.
Manchester United should strongly consider Goncalo Inacio
Inacio could be an ideal addition to United’s squad, providing competition for Martinez and serving as his ideal substitute. The left-footed centre-back has a commanding presence and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. While Luke Shaw has been utilized as a left centre-back when Martinez is injured or rested, United would ideally prefer a specialist option.
Given Inacio’s potential, €45m would be a relatively modest fee in today’s transfer market. United is believed to have the advantage over Newcastle in the pursuit, as Inacio is said to prefer a move to a “top European club.”
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